Composition and methods for preferentially increasing yields of one or more selected hydrocarbon products

ABSTRACT

Methods and compositions to preferentially increase or decrease the yield of at least a selected hydrocarbon product in one or more fluidized units are provided. An embodiment includes: providing a high activity component to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient to preferentially increase the yield of at least a selected hydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbon product. Another embodiment includes: providing a high activity component to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinct particles to preferentially decrease the yield of at least a selected hydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbon product. Another method includes: providing at least a high activity component comprising a contaminant inhibitor component to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinct particles to inhibit the adverse effects of at least a contaminant in a feed stock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application 61/084,129filed Jul. 28, 2008 titled COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR INCREASING DIESELYIELD AND OTHER PURE ADDITIVES AND METHODS OF USE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for increasingor decreasing yields of one or more selected hydrocarbons from one ormore units. Particularly, the invention relates to methods forincreasing or decreasing yields of one or more selected hydrocarbonsfrom one or fluidized units.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of a conventional fluid catalyticcracking system 130. The fluid catalytic cracking system 130 generallyincludes a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit 110 coupled to a catalystinjection system 100, a petroleum feed stock source 104, an exhaust gassystem 114 and a distillation system 116.

The FCC unit 110 includes a regenerator 150 and a reactor 152. Thereactor 152 primarily houses the catalytic cracking reaction of thepetroleum feed stock and delivers the cracked product in vapor form tothe distillation system 116. Spend catalyst from the cracking reactionis transfer from the reactor 152 to the regenerator 150 to regeneratethe catalyst by removing coke and other materials. The regeneratedcatalyst is then reintroduced into the reactor 152 to continue thepetroleum cracking process.

The FCC unit is coupled to a catalyst injection system 100 thatmaintains a continuous or semi continuous addition of fresh basecatalyst to the inventory circulating between a regenerator and areactor.

During the catalytic cracking process, there is a dynamic balance of thetotal amount of the base cracking catalyst, i.e. catalyst inventory,within the FCC unit and desire to maintain the activity level of thecatalyst inventory. For example, fresh base cracking catalyst isperiodically added utilizing the catalyst injection system to replacesome base catalyst which is lost in various ways such as through thedistillation system, through the exhaust gas exiting the regenerator anddeactivation of the base catalyst over time, which is normal. If theamount of base catalyst within the FCC unit decreases significantly overtime, the performance and desired output of the FCC unit will diminish,and in extreme cases the FCC unit may become inoperable. Conversely, ifthe catalyst inventory in the FCC unit increases over time, the catalystbed level within the regenerator reaches an upper operating limit. Suchoccurs when the catalyst addition rate for maintenance of catalystactivity or inventory exceeds the lost catalyst and the excess catalystis periodically withdrawal from the catalyst inventory.

In addition to the base cracking catalyst, other catalytic components(such as additives) with various functionalities such as to reducesulfur or other contaminants etc. are often injected into the FCCU tofurther influence the refining process by incorporating these othercatalytic components within or as part of the base cracking catalyst.Incorporating other catalytic components within or as part of the basecracking catalyst as a single particle system is technically knowneither as ‘incorporation or in-situ” in which the various parts of thebase and other catalysts are physically bound together. Incorporatingother catalytic components within or as part of the base crackingcatalyst as a single particle system provides dual or multiplefunctionalities within the same single particle by virtue of theproximity of the components. However, a base cracking catalyst withother catalytic components incorporated within or as part of the basecracking catalyst in a single particle system has limited ability andflexibility to preferentially increase or control one or more selectedhydrocarbon products or conversely decrease one or more less wantedhydrocarbon products is limited.

A need still remains for improved method and system for enhanced processflexibility and or control to preferentially increase or control one ormore selected hydrocarbon products in fluidized units and or converselydecrease one or more less wanted hydrocarbon products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The purpose and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be setforth and apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments thatfollows, as well as will be learned by practice of the embodiments ofthe invention. Additional advantages will be realized and attained bythe methods and systems particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method. The method includes:providing at least a high activity component to a fluidized unit asphysically separate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially increase the yield of at least a selected hydrocarbonproduct compared to another hydrocarbon product.

A second embodiment provides a method. The method includes: providing atleast a high activity component comprising a contaminant inhibitorcomponent to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles to inhibit the adverse effects of at least a contaminant in afeed stock.

A third embodiment provides a method. The method includes: providing atleast a high activity component to a fluidized unit as physicallyseparate and distinct particles to preferentially decrease the yield ofat least a selected hydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbonproduct.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the method and system of the invention. Together withthe description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional fluid catalytic crackingsystem;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a high activity component comprising aLCO (Light Cycle Oil) selective component in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a high activity component comprising agasoline selective component in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a high activity component comprising aLPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) selective component in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a high activity component comprising acontaminant inhibitor component in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram of a high activity component comprising acombination of a contaminant inhibitor component and a LCO selectivecomponent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic simulation graph of preferentially increasing LCOyield by providing a high activity component comprising a LCO selectivecomponent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic simulation graph of preferentially increasinggasoline range product yield by providing a high activity componentcomprising a gasoline selective component in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic simulation graph of preferentially increasingtotal surface area (TSA) which translates to increased gasoline rangeproduct yield or LPG yield by providing a high activity componentcomprising a contaminant inhibitor component in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic simulation graph of preferentially increase yieldof one or more selected hydrocarbon products by providing a combinationof high activity components in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible; to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures, except that suffixes may be added, when appropriate, todifferentiate such elements. The images in the drawings are simplifiedfor illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. It iscontemplated that features or steps of one embodiment may bebeneficially incorporated in other embodiments without furtherrecitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in thefigures. It is also understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“outward,” “inward,” and the like are words of convenience and are notto be construed as limiting terms.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention which are illustrated in the accompanying figures andexamples. Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understoodthat the illustrations are for describing a particular embodiment of theinvention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

Whenever a particular embodiment of the invention is said to comprise orconsist of at least one element of a group and combinations thereof, itis understood that the embodiment may comprise or consist of any of theelements of the group, either individually or in combination with any ofthe other elements of that group. Furthermore, when any variable occursmore than one time in any constituent or in formula, its definition oneach occurrence is independent of its definition at every otheroccurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables arepermissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method. The method includesproviding one or more high activity components to one or more fluidizedunits. At least a high activity component is provided as physicallyseparate and distinct particles from a base catalyst in an amountsufficient to preferentially increase the yield of one more selectedhydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbon product or products.High activity component include such as but not limited to one or moreLCO selective components, one or more gasoline selective components, oneor more LPG selective components, and one or more contaminant inhibitorcomponents, either individually or in a combination of two or morethereof.

In an embodiment, providing a high activity component (as schematicallyshown in FIG. 2A-2E) as physically separate and distinct particles meansproviding at least a high activity component which is not incorporatedwithin or as part of the base catalyst particle as a single particlesystem. For comparative distinction, providing the high activitycomponent as physically separate and distinct particles from the basecatalyst particle (i.e. base cracking catalyst) is a multi-particleparticle system in contrast to incorporating the high activity componentwithin or as part of the base catalyst particle as a single particlesystem. It should be appreciated that Applicant's embodiments of highactivity component provided as physically separate and distinctparticles from the base catalyst expressly allows trace or contaminantor deminis base catalyst amount or function and is not to be limited toa specified precise value, and may include values that differ from thespecified value. In one embodiment, a trace or contaminant or deminisamount of base catalyst (base cracking catalyst) may be incorporatedwithin the high activity component, which is distinct from incorporatingthe high activity component within or as part of the base catalyst. Highactivity component provided as physically separate and distinctparticles expressly includes the presence of trace or contaminantamounts of base catalyst but does not require the presence of the basecatalyst.

In another embodiment, providing a high activity component as physicallyseparate and distinct particles means the high activity component has aprimary functionality which is distinct from the base catalyst. Forcomparative distinction, when the high activity component isincorporated within or as part of the base catalyst particle in a singleparticle system instead of as physically separate and distinct particlesfrom the base catalyst particle in a multi-particle particle system,dual or multiple functionalities of the base catalyst and high activitycomponent co-exist within the same single particle by virtue of theproximity of the components.

Base cracking catalyst is conventional and common in fluidized units,and some fluidized units include base catalyst particles which haveother catalytic components incorporated within or as part of base assingle particle system with dual or multiple functionalities of the basecatalyst and high activity component. Thus, it should be appreciatedthat some embodiments of the invention may further include base catalystparticles which have some high activity component or componentsincorporated within or as part of the base catalyst particle since basecracking catalyst is conventional and common in fluidized units, as longas at least a high activity component is provided as physically separateand distinct particles from the base catalyst particle in amulti-particle particle system. Thus, since base cracking catalyst isconventional and common in fluidized units, presence of base catalystparticles which have or do not have high activity component orcomponents incorporated within or as part of the base catalyst particleare included in embodiments of the invention, as long as at least a highactivity component is provided as physically separate and distinctparticles from the base catalyst particle in a multi-particle particlesystem.

Embodiments of the invention include providing at least a high activitycomponent with a primarily functionality independent of the basecatalyst as physically separate and distinct particles in amulti-particle particle regardless of whether some dual or multi-naturedbase catalyst particle with high activity component(s) incorporatedwithin or as part of a base catalyst particle are present in a fluidizedunit.

Providing the high activity component as a separate and distinctparticle from the base catalyst may have one or more advantages whichare not attainable by incorporating the high activity component withinor as part of the base catalyst as a single particle system such as butnot limited to below.

When a high activity component is incorporated as part of or within basecatalyst, base catalyst comprises multiple elements such as highactivity component A, other elements such as the base (B) etc. Ifrefiner wants to increase the relative amount of the high activitycomponent A to increase yield of a specific product, increasing theaddition of the base catalyst with the incorporated high activitycomponent as a single particle system also inherently increases B (base)etc. Thus, providing a base catalyst with the incorporated high activitycomponent as a single particle system does not increase the relativeamount of high activity component A over B (base) and therefore does notchange the relative contributions to product yields because B (base)also is inherently added.

Applicant's approach of providing the high activity component A asphysically separate and distinct particle from the B (base) in amulti-particle particle system instead of a single particle systemallows high activity component A or a combination of high activitycomponents to be added specifically over and above the B (base) andthereby increases the relative amount of high activity component A overB (base) etc.

Furthermore, Applicant's embodiments of providing the high activitycomponent as physically separate and distinct particles from the B(base) as a multi-particle particle prevents wastage of “extra” basecatalyst which is inherently added when the high activity component isincorporated within or as part of the base catalyst particle as a singleparticle system because Applicant's embodiments allow high activitycomponent A or a combination of high activity components to be addedspecifically over and above or without B (base) and thereby increasesthe relative amount of high activity component A over B (base) etc.

In fact, the extra B (base catalyst) in this single particle system maybe detrimental by taking up volume or weight which may be filled by thehigh activity component and thereby limit the rates and amount availablefor a high activity catalyst.

Furthermore, providing the high activity component as physicallyseparate and distinct particles from the base as a multi-particleparticle allows a refiner to quickly alter concentration of the basecatalyst or a selected high activity component with minimal waste of“unused” component because the multi-particle particle system allowshigh activity component A or a combination of high activity componentsto be added specifically over and above or without the base and therebyincreases the relative amount of high activity component A over B (base)etc.

Furthermore, in a single particle system, the different catalyticcomponents deactivate (age) via thermal, hydrothermal and otherdeactivation mechanisms, at different relative rates. Thus, onecomponent may be severely deactivated while the other component stillhas some remaining activity or “useful life”. In effect, the hereindescribed compositions and processes provide a method for “using up” anyremaining useful life in either of these two components. Therefore,another advantage of applicant's multi-particles system and methodproviding the high activity component as a separate and distinctparticle from the base catalyst is to maximize usage of each of thecomponents, regardless of how the components age relative to each otherin any given industrial facility.

LCO Selective Component

FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a highactivity component 201 to preferentially increase the yield of one ormore selected hydrocarbon products compared to another hydrocarbonproduct or products. An example of a high activity component 201 havingone or more LCO selective components 211 is Applicant's BCA™.

In one embodiment, the high activity component includes one or more LCO(Light Cycle Oil) selective components 211 to preferentially increasethe yield of LCO. Non-limiting examples of hydrocarbon products that mayincorporate some LCO include diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. In aparticular embodiment, the LCO selective component 211 includes a dieselselective component to preferentially increase the yield of LCO.Non-limiting examples of LCO selective components 211, for illustrationand not limitation, include silica-alumina and active alumina matrixhaving an average pore diameter between about 20 to about 500 A, eitherindividually or in a combination of two or more thereof.

In one embodiment, the high activity component 201 comprises from about70% to about 100% by weight LCO selective component 211. In a particularembodiment, the LCO selective component 211 is about 80% to about 100%by weight. In yet another embodiment, LCO selective component is about90% to about 100% by weight. In another embodiment, LCO selectivecomponent 211 is about 100% by weight, wherein the high activitycomponent 201 essentially consists of LCO selective component 211.

In one embodiment, the method of providing the high activity component201 having one or more LCO selective components 211 as physicallydistinct and separate particles, versus incorporated as part of orwithin a base catalyst as a single particle system, preferentiallyincreases LCO yield compared to providing as a single particle.

In one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of the highactivity components 201. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2A, in oneembodiment, a high activity component 201 may include a plurality of LCOselective components 211 to preferentially increase the yield ofgasoline. The described methods are not limited by a sequence of whenand how the plurality the high activity components 201 are provided. Oneembodiment includes sequentially providing the plurality of highactivity components 201 to one or more fluidized units. Anotherembodiment includes simultaneously providing the plurality of highactivity components 201 to one or more fluidized units. The method isalso not limited by the frequency of providing the plurality the highactivity components 201.

High activity component may also be referred as concentrated catalyst,additive etc. Furthermore, properties of each high activity componentare independent of any other high activity component.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited by how the high activitycomponent 201 is being delivered or the form, size or shape of the highactivity component 201. Non-limiting examples of the form of highactivity component 201 include liquid, powder, formed solid shapes suchas microspheres, beads, and extrudates, either individually or in acombination of two or more forms. Furthermore, the size or shape of thehigh activity component, may have varying dimensions of depth, width,length and FIG. 2A depicts the high activity component 201 with oval orcircular cross-section for illustration only.

Properties of each LCO selective component 211 are also independent ofany other LCO selective component 211 and embodiments of the inventionare also not limited by how the LCO selective component 211 is deliveredor the form, size or shape of the LCO selective component 211.Non-limiting examples of the form of LCO selective component 211 includeliquid, powder, formed solid shapes such as microspheres, beads, andextrudates, either individually or in a combination of two or moreforms. Furthermore, the size or shape of the LCO selective component 211may have varying dimensions of depth, width, length and mayindependently vary from embodiment to embodiment and FIG. 2A depicts LCOselective component 211 with oval or circular cross-section forillustration only.

It should also be appreciated that some embodiments of a high activitycomponent 201 also includes one or more products resulting from thereaction of or between one or more elements or reactants which comprisethe high activity component. For example, an embodiment of the highactivity component 201 includes one or more products resulting from LCOselective components reacting with each other, or reacting with one ormore other elements or materials which comprise the high activitycomponent.

In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a second highactivity component, which differs from a first high activity componentby reversing the preferential yield of a selected hydrocarbon such as ofgasoline vs. LCO. The described methods are not limited by a sequence ofwhen and how the differing high activity component is provided. Oneembodiment comprises sequentially providing the differing high activitycomponent to a fluidized unit to reverse or adjust yield based on marketdemand. Another embodiment comprises simultaneously providing differinghigh activity components to multiple fluidized units such that distinctfluidized units preferentially yield different selected hydrocarbonproduct(s) to meet varying market demand. For example, high activitycomponent with LCO selective component may be provided to fluidized unit1 while high activity component with gasoline selective component may besequentially or simultaneously provided to fluidized unit 2 such thatpreferential yield of different hydrocarbon product or combination ofproducts by different fluidized units are available to meet varyingmarket demand. The method is also not limited by the frequency ofproviding differing high activity components to shift or reverse thepreferential hydrocarbon product yield based on market demand. Thus,embodiments of the invention include providing at least a second highactivity component which differs from a first high activity component inan amount sufficient to reverse the preferential yield of hydrocarbonsuch as gasoline to LCO or vice-versa as frequently as desired based onmarket demand.

Gasoline Selective Component

FIG. 2B is another schematic representation of an embodiment of a highactivity component 202 to preferentially increase the yield of one ormore selected hydrocarbon products compared to another hydrocarbonproduct or products. An example of a high activity component 202 havingone or more gasoline selective components 212 is Applicant's Hi-Y™.

In one embodiment, the high activity component 202 includes one or moregasoline selective components 212 to preferentially increase the yieldof gasoline. Non-limiting examples of gasoline selective component 212for illustration and not limitation, include ultrastable Y, protonexchanged zeolite Y(HY), rare earth exchanged zeolite Y (HREY), calcinedrare earth exchanged zeolite Y(CREY), ultrastable zeolite Y (USY), rareearth exchanged ultrastable zeolite Y (REUSY), and other zeolites knownin the art, either individually or in a combination of two or morethereof. In one embodiment, the high activity component comprises fromabout 40% to about 85% by weight gasoline selective component 212. In aparticular embodiment, the gasoline selective component 212 is about 50%to about 85% by weight. In yet another embodiment, the gasolineselective component 212 comprises at least 70% by weight.

In one embodiment, the method of providing the high activity component202 comprising the gasoline selective component(s) 212 as physicallyseparate and distinct particles preferentially increases the yield ofgasoline over LCO compared to providing the Y zeolite or high activitycomponent 202 comprising the gasoline selective component(s) 212 as partof or incorporated within a base catalyst because increasing gasolineselective component via increased additions of the base catalystmaintains a fixed ratio of gasoline selective component vs. othercomponents rather than increasing the ratio of gasoline selectivecomponent.

As discussed above, embodiments of the method optionally includeproviding a plurality of the high activity components, which may be thesame or differ from each other. Embodiments of the invention are notlimited by how the high activity components are delivered or the form,size or shape of the high activity components and properties of eachhigh activity component such as 201 and 202 are independent of any otherhigh activity component.

Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, a high activitycomponent 202 may include a plurality of gasoline selective components212 to preferentially increase the yield of gasoline. The describedmethods are not limited by a sequence of when and how the plurality thehigh activity components 202 are provided. One embodiment includessequentially providing the plurality the high activity components to oneor more fluidized units. Another embodiment includes simultaneouslyproviding plurality the high activity components to one or morefluidized units. The method is also not limited by the frequency ofproviding the plurality of high activity components 202.

As discussed above, embodiments of the invention are not limited by howthe high activity component 202 is delivered or the form, size or shapeof the high activity component and properties of each high activitycomponent are independent of any other high activity component.Properties of each selective component, such as LCO selective component211 discussed above, gasoline selective component 212, LPG selectivecomponent 213, contaminant inhibit component 214, etc. are alsoindependent of any other selective component and embodiments of theinvention are also not limited by how the selective component, such asgasoline selective component 212 is delivered or the form, size or shapeof the selective component. It is understood that the form, size orshape of the high activity and the selective component may be varied byone of ordinary skill in the art to best suit the type of fluidized unitand the preferential yield of the particular hydrocarbon product orcombination of products.

As discussed above, it should also be appreciated that some embodimentsof a high activity component also includes one or more productsresulting from the reaction of or between one or more elements orreactants which comprise the high activity component. For example, anembodiment of the high activity component 202 includes one or moreproducts resulting from gasoline selective components 212 reacting witheach other, or reacting with one or more other elements or materialswhich comprise the high activity component.

In one embodiment, the method further includes providing at least asecond high activity component which differs from a first high activitycomponent 202 comprising the gasoline selective component 212 in anamount sufficient to reverse the preferential yield of gasoline. Themethod is also not limited by the frequency of providing differing highactivity components to shift or reverse the preferential increased yieldof one or more hydrocarbon products based on market demand. Thus,embodiments of the invention include providing at least a second highactivity component which differs from a first high activity component inan amount sufficient to reverse the preferential yield of one or morehydrocarbon products such as gasoline to LCO or vice-versa as frequentlyas desired based on market demand.

LPG Selective Components

FIG. 2C is another schematic representation of an embodiment of a highactivity component 203 to preferentially increase the yield of aselected hydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbon product. Inone embodiment, the high activity component includes one or more LPGselective components 213 to preferentially increase the yield of LPG.Non-limiting examples of LPG selective component 213, for illustrationand not limitation, include Silicalite, Beta (BEA), EU-1, (EUO),ZSM-5(MFI), ZSM-11 (MEL), ZSM-12 (MTW), ZSM-18 (MEI), ZSM-22 (TON),ZSM-23 (MTT), ZSM-35, ZSM-39 (MTN), ZSM-48, ZSM-57 (MFS), ALPO-41 (AFO),ALPO-11 (AEL), Boggsite (BOG), Dachiardite (DAC), Epistilbite (EPI),Ferrierite (FER), Laumontite (LAU), Montesommaite (MON), Mordenite(MOR), NU-87 (NES), Offretite (OFF), Partheite (PAR), Stilbite (STI),and Weinebeneite (WEN), either individually or in a combination of twoor more thereof. In one embodiment, the high activity componentcomprises from about 20% to about 85% by weight of an LPG selectivecomponent 213. In a particular embodiment, the LPG selective component213 is about 30% to about 85% by weight. In yet another embodiment, LPGselective component 213 is about 40% to about 85% by weight.

In one embodiment, the method of providing at least a high activitycomponent 203 having the LPG selective component as a separate anddistinct particle from incorporated as part of or within a base catalystas a single particle system preferentially increases LPG yield comparedto providing as a single particle.

In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a second highactivity component which differs from a first high activity component203 comprising the LPG selective component 213 in an amount sufficientto reverse the preferential yield of LPG. The method is also not limitedby the frequency of providing differing high activity components toshift or reverse the preferential hydrocarbon product yield based onmarket demand. Thus, embodiments of the invention include providing atleast a second high activity component which differs from a first highactivity component in an amount sufficient to reverse the preferentialyield of hydrocarbon such as gasoline to LPG or vice-versa as frequentlyas desired based on market demand.

As discussed above, it should also be appreciated that some embodimentsof a high activity component also includes one or more productsresulting from the reaction of or between one or more elements orreactants which comprise the high activity component. For example, anembodiment of the high activity component 203 includes one or moreproducts resulting from LPG selective components 213 reacting with eachother, or reacting with one or more other elements or materials whichcomprise the high activity component.

Contaminant Inhibitor Component

FIG. 2D is another schematic representation of an embodiment of a highactivity component 204. Examples of contaminant inhibitor component 214include Applicant's CAT-Aid™ comprising calcium oxide supported on mixedmetal oxide such as MgO and Al₂O₃, and other metals traps such as MgO orRare Earth oxides, strontium titanate, barium titanate, sepiolite, etc.,either individually or in a combination of two or more thereof.

In one embodiment, the high activity component 204 includes one or morecontaminant inhibitor components 214 to preferentially increase theyield of one or more selected hydrocarbon products compared to anotherhydrocarbon product or products. In one embodiment, the method ofproviding the high activity component 204 comprising the contaminantinhibitor component 214 as separate and distinct particles instead ofincorporated as part of or within a single particle base catalyst systempreferentially increases yields of LPG and or gasoline compared toproviding as a single particle system. Non-limiting examples ofcontaminant inhibitor components 214, for illustration and notlimitation, include nickel traps, vanadium traps, either individually orin a combination of two or more thereof. In one embodiment, the highactivity component 204 comprises from about 70% to about 100% by weighta contaminant inhibitor component 214. In a particular embodiment, thecontaminant inhibitor component 214 is about 80% to about 100% byweight. In yet another embodiment, contaminant inhibitor component 214is about 90% to about 100% by weight. In yet another embodiment,contaminant inhibitor component 214 is about 95% by weight. In anotherembodiment, contaminant inhibitor component 214 is about 100% by weight,wherein the high activity component 204 essentially consists ofcontaminant inhibitor component 214.

Another embodiment includes providing one or more high activitycomponents 204 comprising one or more contaminant inhibitor components214 to one or more fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles instead of incorporated as part of or within a single particlebase catalyst system to inhibit the adverse effects of one or morecontaminants in a feed stock. Examples of contaminants inhibited bycontaminant inhibitor component 214 include such as but not limited tovanadium, nickel, copper, sodium, calcium, and iron, either individuallyor in a combination of two or more thereof.

Another embodiment includes providing one or more high activitycomponents 204 comprising one or more contaminant inhibitor components214 to one or more fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles instead of incorporated as part of or within a single particlebase catalyst system to preferentially decrease the yield of one or moreselected hydrocarbon products compared to another hydrocarbon product orproducts. Examples of selected hydrocarbon products for which yield isdecreased include such as but not limited to the dry gas, coke, heavycycle oil, bottoms, either individually or in combinations of two ormore thereof.

In a particular embodiment, preferentially decreasing yield of one ormore selected hydrocarbon products results in preferentially increasingyields of LPG and or gasoline because contaminant inhibitor components214 shifts the product range from dry gas, coke, and heavy cycle oil,either individually or in combinations of two or more thereof to aproduct range of LPG and or gasoline.

Properties of each contaminant inhibitor 214 component are alsoindependent of any other contaminant inhibitor components 214 andembodiments of the invention are also not limited by how the contaminantinhibitor component 214 is delivered or the form, size or shape of thecontaminant inhibitor component and FIG. 2D depicts contaminantinhibitor components 214 with trapezoid or rectangular cross-section forillustration only.

It should also be appreciated that some embodiments of a high activitycomponent also includes one or more products resulting from the reactionof or between one or more elements or reactants which comprise the highactivity component. For example, an embodiment of the high activitycomponent 204 includes one or more products resulting from contaminantinhibitor components 214 reacting with each other, or reacting with oneor more other elements or materials which comprise the high activitycomponent.

Combination of Selective Components

In one embodiment, a plurality of high activity components which differfrom each other, such as respectively high activity component 202comprising gasoline selective components 212 and high activity component204 comprising one or more contaminant inhibitors 214, are provided topreferentially have a synergistic unexpected combined effect ofenhancing the preferential yield of one or more selected hydrocarbonproducts such as gasoline. Another embodiment of a combination ofdiffering high activity components with unexpected synergistic effectincludes high activity component 201 comprising LCO selective components211 and high activity component 204 comprising one or more contaminantinhibitors 214, to preferentially have a synergistic unexpected combinedeffect of enhancing the preferential yield of one or more selectedhydrocarbon products such as LCO.

The method further includes providing at least a second high activitycomponent (such as high activity component comprising gasoline selectivecomponent) which differs from a first high activity component comprisingthe contaminant inhibitor components 214 in an amount sufficient toreverse or alter preferential yields of one or more selected hydrocarbonproducts based on market demand. The method is also not limited by thefrequency of providing the combination of differing high activitycomponents with unexpected synergistic effect to reverse or alter i.e.adjust the preferential yield of one or more hydrocarbon products basedon market demand. Thus, an embodiment includes providing a combinationof differing high activity components (such as high activity componentsrespectively comprising gasoline selective component and contaminantinhibitor component) with unexpected synergistic effect to enhance thepreferential yield of one or more selected hydrocarbon products; andanother embodiment includes providing a second combination of differinghigh activity components (such as high activity components respectivelycomprising LCO selective component and contaminant inhibitor component)with unexpected synergistic effect in an amount sufficient to reverse orshift the preferential yield of one or more selected hydrocarbonproducts (such as from gasoline to LCO and vice versa) from the firstcombination of differing high activity components as frequently asdesired based on market demand.

Just as how a plurality of high activity components which haverespectively differing selective components may be provided to havesynergistic unexpected combined effect, differing selective componentssuch as gasoline 211 and contaminant inhibitors 214 may also be providedin a single high activity component.

FIG. 2E is another schematic representation of an embodiment of a highactivity component 205 comprising a plurality of selective componentswhich differ from each other, such as gasoline selective components 212and contaminant inhibitors 214. Another embodiment of a high activitycomponent 205 having a plurality of selective components which differfrom each other includes LCO selective components 211 and contaminantinhibitor 214.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the high activity component 205 includesa plurality of selective components which differ from each other topreferentially have a synergistic combined unexpected effect such as thecombination of gasoline selective components 212 and contaminantinhibitors 214 depicted in FIG. 2E. The described methods are notlimited by a sequence of when and how the high activity component 205comprising the plurality of selective components such as gasolineselective components 212 and contaminant inhibitors 214. One embodimentcomprises sequentially providing the high activity component 205comprising the plurality of selective components to one or morefluidized units. Another embodiment comprises simultaneously providingthe high activity component 205 comprising the plurality of selectivecomponents to one or more fluidized units. The method is also notlimited by the frequency of providing the plurality of high activitycomponents.

The method further optionally includes providing at least a second highactivity component 205 which differs from a first high activitycomponent 205 comprising the plurality of differing selective componentsin an amount sufficient to shift or reverse a preferential yield of oneor more hydrocarbon products. The second high activity component mayalso comprise a plurality of selective components which differ from eachother. The method is also not limited by the frequency of providing thediffering high activity components 205 to shift or reverse thepreferential yield of hydrocarbon product(s) based on market demand.Thus, embodiments of the invention include providing at least a secondhigh activity component 205 (with a plurality of selective componentswhich differ from each other) which differs from a first high activitycomponent 205 (comprising a plurality of selective components whichdiffer from each other) such as first high activity component 205comprising a combination of gasoline selective components 212 andcontaminant inhibitors 214 versus second high activity component 205comprising a combination of LCO selective components 211 and contaminantinhibitors 214 to reverse the preferential yield of one or morehydrocarbon products as frequently as desired based on market demand.

As discussed above, it should also be appreciated that some embodimentsof a high activity component also includes one or more productsresulting from the reaction of or between one or more elements orreactants which comprise the high activity component. For example, anembodiment of the high activity component 205 includes one or moreproducts resulting from selective components reacting with each other,or reacting with one or more other elements or materials which comprisethe high activity component 205.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative or qualitativerepresentation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term such as “from about” or “to about” is not to belimited to a specified precise value, and may include values that differfrom the specified value. In at least some instances, the approximatinglanguage may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuringthe value. Furthermore, “providing high activity component in an amountsufficient to” may be used in combination with quantitative value, andinclude a varying amount of high activity component and is not to belimited to a specified precise quantitative value, and may includevalues that differ from a specified value.

It should be appreciated that an embodiment of the method and systemsmay further include presence of or providing dual or multi-natured basecatalyst particles which have some high activity component or componentsincorporated within or as part of the base catalyst particle since basecracking catalyst is conventional and common in fluidized units, as longas at least a high activity component is provided as physically separateand distinct particles from the base catalyst particle in amulti-particle particle system.

In an embodiment, the high activity component is provided to one or moreunits such as, but not limited to, an FCC unit, fixed bed or moving bedunit, bubbling bed unit, units suitable for the manufacture of pyridineand its derivatives, units suitable for the manufacture ofacrylonitrile, and other units suitable for industrial processes, etc.,either individually or in a combination of two or more. In a particularembodiment, the high activity component is provided to a plurality ofunits that are FCC units. The FCC unit is adapted to promote catalyticcracking of feed stock provided from a source and may be configured in aconventional manner. In another embodiment, the high activity componentis provided to units designed to crack gasoline range feed stocks intoLiquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) such as but not limited to Superflex™process or crack heavy feed into LPG instead of gasoline such as but notlimited to Indmax™ process. In another particular embodiment, the highactivity component is provided to an unit for processing acrylonitrile.An example of a unit suitable for the manufacture of acrylonitrile is afluidized bed process. Similar units are also used for manufacturingother chemicals such as pyridine.

The following examples serve to illustrate the features and advantagesof the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

EXAMPLE 1 High Activity Component 201 Comprising LCO Selective Component211

Not to be bound by theory, feed generally consists of large moleculeswhich are too large to enter into the pores of gasoline selectivecomponent such as Y zeolite pores. In contrast, LCO selective componentpores are larger than the pores of gasoline selective component. Thus,large hydrocarbon molecules can enter the larger pores of the LCOselective component and be cracked to form LCO range molecules.

Below is an example of Applicant's unexpectedly superior result ofproviding high activity component 201 comprising LCO selective component211 as physically separate and distinct particles versus incorporated aspart of or within the base catalyst as a single particle system.

Not to be bound by theory, providing the high activity component 201comprising the LCO selective component 211 as physically separate anddistinct particles instead of incorporating the LCO selective componentas part of or within the base catalyst as a single particle systemappears to preferentially increase LCO yield by decreasing thezeolites-to-matrix ratio (the matrix is referred as LCO selectivecomponent).

Zeolite-to-Matrix Ratio (Z/M) is the measure of the ratio of the ZeoliteSurface Area/Matrix Surface Area (or ZSA/MSA). Measurement was conductedvia a multi-point N2 BET isotherm—where the surface area is split intotwo parts: ZSA<20 Angstroms pore diameter and MSA>20 Angstroms porediameter.

Specifically, providing the high activity component 201 comprising thematrix as physically separate and distinct particles in a multipleparticle system instead of incorporating the matrix as part of or withinthe base catalyst as a single particle system more effectively increasesmatrix (i.e. decreases the Z/M ratio) by selectively providing matrixover and above or without the unwanted zeolite etc. and therebyincreasing the ratio of matrix relative to zeolite instead ofmaintaining a fixed ratio of Z/M, as discussed above in benefits ofApplicant's multiple particle system. FIG. 3 is a schematic simulationdemonstrating providing the high activity component comprising a LCOselective component such as BCA™ as physically separate distinctparticles preferentially increases LCO yield.

The Y axis represents the path from Feed Injectors (near the bottom ofthe Riser) to the Riser Termination (or Riser Outlet, or RiserExit—where Catalyst and most of the Product are finally separated) i.e.where the oil is in contact with the catalyst; thus the base of the Yaxis represents the feed injection zone and the top of the Y axis is theriser termination. The X axis plots the wt % of a specific product tothe total feed product mix at as that particular point in the riser. Forexample, the feed is 100% of this mix at the feed injection zone,falling rapidly in the initial movement up the riser as the matrixconverts the feed to intermediates, with conversion tailing off towardsthe riser termination so that all that is left is unconverted feed whichis recovered as a non-distilling fraction in the distillation systemusually referred as “bottoms” but also commonly called Decanted CycleOil (DCO).

Providing the matrix as part of or within the base catalyst as a singleparticle system increases the LCO volume by converting the feed into LCOuntil at some point up the riser, the LCO reaches a maximumconcentration (represented by the star in the diagram). LCO reaches amaximum concentration because the creation of more LCO is outweighed bythe conversion of LCO to gasoline range material by Y zeolites higher upthe riser.

In contrast, providing the high activity component 201 comprising theLCO selective component 211 as physically separate distinct particlesincreases the formation of LCO from feed in terms of rate and amount ofLCO formation compared to incorporating the matrix as part of or withinthe base catalyst as a single particle system. Hence the LCO peak islarger and occurs at a greater distance up the riser. Additionally,providing the LCO selective component as separate distinct particleslowers the concentration of unwanted zeolite because Applicant'smultiple particle addition system allows LCO selective component(matrix) to be added specifically over and above or without zeolite andthereby increases the relative amount of matrix over zeolite etc. whichleads to a slower rate of undesired zeolite promoted conversion of LCOto gasoline, shown graphically by a less steep slope in the curvecompared to the catalyst-only LCO line.

The comparative improvement in preferentially increasing LCO yield byproviding the high activity component 201 comprising the LCO selectivecomponent 211 as physically separate distinct particles vs.incorporating the matrix as part of or within the base catalyst as asingle particle system is represented by the area between the curves atthe riser termination (top of the diagram). Thus, providing the highactivity component 201 comprising the LCO selective component 211 asphysically separate distinct particles preferentially increases LCOyield compared to traditional method of incorporating such as part of orwithin the base catalyst as a single particle system.

Table 1 demonstrates effects of providing the high activity component201 comprising LCO selective component 211 as physically separatedistinct particles compared to traditional method of incorporating thehigh activity component comprising LCO selective component as part of orwithin the base catalyst in a single particle system. For example, Table1 shows providing BCA-105™, a high activity component comprising 201 LCOselective component 211, as physically separate distinct particlesincreased LCO range yield from 24.8 to 29.4 when 30% BCA-105™ wasprovided. Simulation was based on several conducted trials.

TABLE 1 Effects of high activity component comprising LCO SelectiveComponent upon product yield Base Catalyst +10% +20% +30% (and % 0 highBCA-105 ™ BCA-105 ™ BCA-105 ™ activity (high activity (high activity(high activity component component component component comprisingcomprising comprising comprising LCO LCO LCO LCO Product selectiveselective selective selective Yields component) component) component)component) Dry Gas 7.57 7.57 7.56 7.56 LPG 15.84 15.50 15.06 14.59Gasoline 38.46 38.28 37.62 36.49 LCO 24.80 26.05 27.58 29.39 Bottoms6.62 5.89 5.47 5.25 Coke 6.71 6.70 6.70 6.69 ECat MAT 74.0 73.0 71.970.7 Regenerator 1385 1382 1379 1376 Temp (Deg F.)

Table 2 is a summary of 36 commercial trials of BCA™ (high activitycomponent 201 comprising LCO selective component 211). Table 2 showsBCA™ has been commercially proven to increase LCO yield (average +0.8 wt%) via reduction of Bottoms (average −1.7 wt %) in a wide range of FCCunit designs such as operating in full and partial burn mode andprocessing light and heavy feeds.

TABLE 2 Minimum Average Maximum Feed Quality Density 0.882 0.912 0.936Sulphur 0.03 0.99 2.30 Conradson Carbon Residue 0.1 1.7 4.9 Nitrogen 200787 1822 Operations Reactor Temp 490 521 542 Regenerator Temp 658 712754 Catalyst adds, tpd 0.8 4.8 25.0 BCA ™ (high activity 3.0 8.4 15.0component 201 comprising LCO selective component) concentration, %Equilibrium Catalyst MAT 60 67 73 Ni 100 1697 5700 V 100 1719 7500 YieldSelectivities Dry gas −0.90 −0.11 0.71 LPG −1.6 0.6 4.7 Gasoline −1.21.1 5.0 LCO −3.0 0.8 5.0 HCO −1.5 −0.4 0.6 Bottoms −4.5 −1.7 0.0 Coke−0.9 −0.1 0.5 Base Bottoms Density 0.98 1.06 1.12

An embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to a fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles in an amount sufficient to preferentially increasethe yield of LCO compared to another hydrocarbon or combination ofhydrocarbon products by greater about 10% (based on wt % of feedproduct). Another embodiment includes providing one or more highactivity components to a fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles in an amount sufficient to preferentially increasethe yield of LCO compared to another hydrocarbon or combination ofhydrocarbon products by greater than about 8%, by greater than about 7%,and great than about 5%. Yet another embodiment of the inventionincludes providing one or more high activity components to a fluidizedunit as physically separate and distinct particles in an amountsufficient to preferentially increase the yield of LCO compared toanother hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by greaterthan about 4%, by greater than about 3%, by greater than about 2%, andby greater than about 1.0%. Embodiments of the invention expresslyincludes providing one or more high activity components as physicallyseparate and distinct particles to one or more fluidized unit in anamount sufficient to preferentially increase the yield of LCO comparedto another hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products, and isnot limited to a specified precise value, and may include values thatdiffer from the specified value.

EXAMPLE 2 High Activity Component 202 Comprising Gasoline SelectiveComponent 212

Applicant's Hi-Y™ is an example of high activity component 202comprising one or more gasoline selective component 212 topreferentially increase gasoline yield. In one embodiment, high activitycomponent 202 comprising one or more gasoline selective components 212includes a high concentration of y zeolite; Applicant's Hi-Y™ highactivity component includes a high concentration of zeolite such as Yzeolites to provide high zeolite functionality with relatively littleamount of other materials in the high activity component.

FIG. 4 is schematic simulation of providing high activity component 202comprising one or more gasoline selective component 212. FIG. 4 showsthe changes in FCC unit's catalyst inventory (including all the catalystand additives being used) plotted against feeds with varying quality(often referred to as heaviness—heavier feeds being more difficult tocrack). The total surface area of the catalyst in the unit (also calledequilibrium catalyst or ECat) is commonly used to monitor the activitylevel of the catalyst in the unit (total surface area being proportionalto activity). FIG. 4 shows catalyst surface area increases when a highactivity component 201 comprising gasoline selective component is added(dashed line).

The area between the two catalyst lines/curves represents the increasein total surface area (TSA) that may be achievable by providing highactivity component. The increased TSA directly resulted in increasedpreferential yield of gasoline. In one embodiment, the increased surfacearea of the high activity component comprising one or more gasolineselective component 202, which is typically greater than 380 m²/g,increases the magnitude and rapidity of the yield slate changes versusthose of a second grade of catalyst. Furthermore, the lighter the feed,the higher the concentration of high activity component that can beused, which results in even greater increase in gasoline range productyield.

Table 3 shows the change in activity and increase in gasoline rangeproduct yield (weight percent on feed basis) by providing the highactivity component 202 comprising gasoline selective components 212 asphysically separate distinct particles preferentially compared totraditional method of incorporating such as part of or within the basecatalyst as a single particle system. For example, Table 3 demonstratesproviding 20% Hi-Y™ (high activity component 202 comprising gasolineselective component 212) as physically separate distinct particlesincreased gasoline range product yield from 39.5 to 40.9, from 41.9 to44.1 and 43.6 to 45 (weight percent on feed basis) in Trial 1-3respectively. Trial 1-3 are samples from three commercial trials testedunder standard laboratory conditions. Table 3 also demonstratesproviding 20% Hi-Y™ as physically separate distinct particles increasedconversion (wt %, weight percent on feed basis) in Trial 1-3.

TABLE 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 20% 20% 20% Hi-Y ™ Hi-Y ™ Hi-Y ™ highhigh high activity activity activity component component component Trial1 Trial 2 Trial 3 202 202 202 Control Control Control comprisingcomprising comprising Base as Base as Base as gasoline gasoline gasolinesingle single single selective selective selective particle particleparticle component component component Low N2 Feed system system system212 212 212 Run ID 26413-2 26414-2 26415-2 26431-2 26432-2 26433-2Conversion, 54.8 58.7 62.0 57.2 61.8 63.9 w % Coke 2.1 2.3 2.7 2.2 2.52.7 C2-(dry gas) 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 Hydrogen 0.10 0.11 0.11 0.080.08 0.09 Methane 0.30 0.31 0.35 0.32 0.34 0.36 Ethane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.20.2 0.3 Ethylene 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 C3 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 C3=3.5 3.9 4.3 3.8 4.1 4.4 Total C3s 4.1 4.6 5.0 4.4 4.8 5.2 iC4 2.8 3.23.6 3.2 3.5 3.8 nC4 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.8 iC4= 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.4 1.5nC4= 3.4 3.6 3.9 3.5 3.7 3.9 1- 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.2 Butene Cis-2-1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 Butene Trans- 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.6 2-Butene1,3- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Butadiene Total 4.8 5.1 5.3 4.8 5.1 5.4Butenes Total C4s 8.2 9.0 9.6 8.6 9.3 9.9 LPG 12.3 13.5 14.7 13.0 14.215.1 Isopentane 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.5 n-Pentane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.20.2 3-Methyl- 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 1-Butene Trans-2- 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.50.4 0.5 Pentene 2-Methyl- 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 2-Butene 1-Pentene 0.20.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 2-Methyl- 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 1-Butene cis-2-0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Pentene Total C5 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.5 C6+ 1.61.5 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.5 Total C5+ in 6.0 5.8 6.1 5.8 5.6 6.0 Gasoline Liquid33.5 36.1 37.5 35.1 38.5 39.0 Gasoline Gasoline 39.5 41.9 43.6 40.9 44.145.0 (C5-163C) LCO (163-282C) 22.3 21.8 21.2 21.7 20.7 20.3 MCO(282-382C) 13.5 12.0 10.8 12.6 10.8_10.2 LCO + MCO 35.8 33.8 32.0 34.331.5 30.4 (163-382C) Bottoms 9.4 7.5 6.0 8.6 6.7 5.7 (382C+) Total 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

In embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to one or more fluidized units as physicallyseparate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially increase the yield of gasoline range products compared toanother hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by greaterabout 10% (based on wt % of feed product). Another embodiment includesproviding one or more high activity components to a fluidized unit asphysically separate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially increase the yield of gasoline range products compared toanother hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by greaterthan about 8%, by greater than about 7%, and great than about 5%. Yetanother embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to a fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles in an amount sufficient to preferentially increasethe yield of gasoline range products compared to another hydrocarbon orcombination of hydrocarbon products by greater than about 4%, by greaterthan about 3%, by greater than about 2%, and by greater than about 1.0%.Embodiments of the invention expressly includes providing one or morehigh activity components as physically separate and distinct particlesto one or more fluidized unit in an amount sufficient to preferentiallyincrease the yield of gasoline range products compared to anotherhydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products, and is not limitedto a specified precise value, and may include values that differ fromthe specified value.

EXAMPLE 3 High Activity Component 203 Comprising LPG Selective Component213

As previously discussed in the preceding examples 1-2, not to be boundby theory, a feed mainly consists of large hydrocarbon molecules whichare too large to enter into the pores of high activity component 202comprising gasoline selective component such as Y zeolite pores. Incontrast, LCO selective component pores are larger than the pores ofgasoline selective component. Thus, large hydrocarbon molecules canenter the larger pores of the LCO selective component and be cracked toform LCO range molecules.

LCO range molecules are now small enough to enter the pores of thegasoline selective component such as Y zeolite pores and the precedingexamples disclosed cracking the LCO range molecules in the smaller poresof the gasoline selective component such as Y zeolite pores topreferentially increase yield of gasoline range molecules.

Applicant has extended this principle to LPG selective component such asZSM-5 which has even smaller pores than gasoline selective component ofZeolite Y and can further crack gasoline range molecules down to LPGrange.

Feed/bottoms range hydrocarbon molecules are cracked by high activitycomponent 201 comprising LCO selective component 211 such as BCA™ whichhas the largest pores into LCO range molecules.

LCO range molecules are cracked by high activity component 202comprising gasoline selective component 212 such as Y zeolites, whichhas smaller pores than LCO selective component, into gasoline rangemolecules.

Gasoline range molecules are cracked by high activity component 203comprising LPG selective component 213 which has even smaller pores thangasoline selective component into LPG range molecules.

Thus, an embodiment of the invention includes providing a high activitycomponent 203 comprising LPG selective component 213 as physicallyseparate and distinct particles from a base catalyst to preferentiallyincrease LPG yield by cracking gasoline range molecules in the smallerpores of the LPG selective component 213 such as ZSM-5 because thegasoline range molecules are now small enough to enter the pores the ofLPG selective component.

In an embodiment, providing a high activity component 203 with 2-3% ofLPG selective component 213 such as ZSM-5 crystals as physicallyseparate and distinct can substantially increase LPG yield up to 2 wt %and increase gasoline octane (up to 1 RON number) compared to singleparticle system with ZSM-5 incorporated within the base catalystparticle.

Table 4 demonstrates effects of high activity component 203 comprisingLPG selective component 213 as physically separate distinct particlescompared to traditional base catalyst. For example, Table 4 shows LPGyield increased from 19.7 to 24.7 as successive amounts of high activitycomponent 203 comprising LPG Selective Component 213 of up to 10%, wasadded as physically separate distinct particles. Table 4 also showsconversion increased from 67.3 to 67.5 as successive amounts of highactivity component 203 comprising LPG Selective Component 213 of up to10%, was added as physically separate distinct particles.

TABLE 4 high activity component comprising LPG Selective Base ComponentECat 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 10% Conversion, w % 67.3 66.5 65.9 66.0 66.2 67.367.5 Coke 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.6 C2- 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.8 3.0Hydrogen 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Hydrogen Sulfide 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 Methane 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.9 Ethane 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.60.6 0.6 0.6 Ethylene 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 C3 1.5 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.81.9 2.1 C3= 5.9 6.3 6.7 7.0 7.3 7.6 8.3 Total C3s 7.4 8.0 8.3 8.6 9.19.5 10.4 iC4 4.9 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.8 5.8 6.3 nC4 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2iC4= 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 nC4= 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.7 4.61-Butene 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 Cis-2-Butene 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.71.8 1.7 Trans-2- 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7 Butene 1,3-Butadiene 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total Butenes 6.2 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.4 6.7 6.8 TotalC4s 12.3 12.8 12.9 13.0 13.4 13.8 14.3 LPG 19.7 20.8 21.2 21.7 22.5 23.324.7 Gasoline (C5-430F) 40.1 38.2 37.5 37.3 36.4 36.6 35.2 LCO(430-540F) 8.6 8.5 8.6 8.5 8.5 8.3 8.3 MCO (540-650F) 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.46.4 6.2 6.1 LCO + MCO 15.1 14.9 15.1 14.9 14.9 14.5 14.5 (430-650F)Bottoms (650F+) 17.7 18.7 19.0 19.1 18.9 18.2 18.0 Totals 100 100 100100 100 100 100

An embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to one or more fluidized units as physicallyseparate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially increase the yield LPG compared to another hydrocarbon orcombination of hydrocarbon products by greater about 10% (based on wt %of feed product). Another embodiment includes providing one or more highactivity components to a fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles in an amount sufficient to preferentially increasethe yield of LPG compared to another hydrocarbon or combination ofhydrocarbon products by greater than about 8%, by greater than about 7%,and greater than about 5%. Yet another embodiment of the inventionincludes providing one or more high activity components to a fluidizedunit as physically separate and distinct particles in an amountsufficient to preferentially increase the yield of LPG compared toanother hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by greaterthan about 4%, by greater than about 3%, by greater than about 2%, andby greater than about 0.1%. Embodiments of the invention expresslyincludes providing one or more high activity components as physicallyseparate and distinct particles to one or more fluidized unit in anamount sufficient to preferentially increase the yield of LPG comparedto another hydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products, and isnot limited to a specified precise value, and may include values thatdiffer from the specified value.

EXAMPLE 4 High Activity Component 204 Comprising Contaminant InhibitorComponent 214

Metals in feed deposit and accumulate on the catalyst (equilibriumcatalyst or ECat) and increase the tendency to make coke and gas, whichare unwanted. Traditionally, a refiner decreased the level of suchmetals on the ECat by adding higher levels of fresh base catalyst andwithdrawing a greater quantity of contaminated ECat from the catalystinventory.

Applicants have unexpectedly discovered increasing the addition rate ofa fresh base catalyst may have little or no effect on reducing theimpact of contaminant metals, or increasing yield of a selectedhydrocarbon product. However, applicants have unexpectedly discoveredproviding a high activity component 204 comprising contaminant inhibitorcomponent 214 as physically separate and distinct particles from a basecatalyst inhibits the adverse effects one or more contaminants in afeedstock.

A non-limiting example of the contaminant inhibitor component 204includes but is not limited to Applicant's CAT-Aid™. Not to be bound bytheory or advantage, a non-limiting advantage of providing a highactivity component 204 comprising contaminant inhibitor component 214 asphysically separate and distinct particles from a base catalyst may bethat for a constant level of vanadium, CAT-Aid™ maintains a highersurface area of the circulating catalyst because CAT-Aid™ improveszeolite stability with increasing metals content compared to a singlesystem base catalyst. CAT-Aid™ improves zeolite stability by inhibitingdestruction of zeolite surface area and greater surface area relates toincrease yield. Providing a high activity component 204 comprisingcontaminant inhibitor component 214 such as CAT-Aid™ as physicallyseparate and distinct particles from a single system base catalyst usessome of the freed-up coke burn capacity to increase catalytic activitywithout increasing catalyst addition rates. Any reduction in Feed,Occluded or Contaminant coke frees up coke burning capacity to be usedto (a) increase the Catalytic coke—which results in increased conversionor (b) increase the heaviness of the feed which means reduction in feedcost.

Table 5 results from a recent commercial trial demonstrate these points.Providing Cat Aid™ at 10% of the catalyst inventory as physicallyseparate and distinct particles from a base catalyst showed thefollowing advantages: 1) Feed rate increased such as from 40,000 up to45,000; 2) Use of poorer or less expensive quality feed increased suchas rate of vacuum tower bottoms (VTB or vacuum residue). 3) Conversionincreased by over two percent and proportion of VTB. For example, Table5 shows Contaminant inhibitor component increased conversion from 80.7to 83. 4) Total catalyst makeup reduced from 24 tons to 12 tons.

TABLE 5 Catalyst inventory w/ Catalyst 10% Cat Aid ™ (high inventoryactivity component before Cat comprising contaminant CAT-Aid ™inhibitor) Delta % Delta Fresh Cat 12 tons/day  12 tons/day — ECat 12tons/day 0  −12 tons/day Cat Aid — 1.2 tons/day +1.2 tons/day Feed Rate(bpd) 40,000 41,500 to 45,000 +1,500 to +4% to 12.5% 5,000 VTB's (bpd)1,500 2,000 +500 +25% Feed API 29.69 28.58 −1.11 −3.7%  Feed Con Carbon1.22 1.56 +0.35 +29% w % Feed Vanadium ppm 6.07 6.89 +0.82 +14% FeedNickel ppm 4.08 4.59 +0.51 +13% Conversion (wt %) 80.7 83.0 +2.3  +3%Operating Expense −5% to −10% 

An embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to one or more fluidized units as physicallyseparate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient to inhibit theadverse effects of one or more contaminants, either individually or in acombination of two or more, in a feed stock by greater about 10 wt %.Another embodiment includes providing one or more high activitycomponents to one or more fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles in an amount sufficient to inhibit the adverseeffects of one or more contaminants in a feed stock by greater thanabout 8%, by greater than about 7%, and greater than about 5%. Yetanother embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to one or more fluidized unit as physically separateand distinct particles in an amount sufficient to inhibit the adverseeffects of one or more contaminants either individually or in acombination of two or more by greater about 4%, by greater than about3%, by 1 greater than about 2%, and by greater than about 1.0%.Embodiments of the invention expressly includes providing one or morehigh activity components as physically separate and distinct particlesto one or more fluidized unit in an amount sufficient to inhibit theadverse effects of one or more contaminant either individually or in acombination of two or more and is not limited to a specified precisevalue, and may include values that differ from the specified value

Table 6 shows the effects of providing 10% CAT-Aid™, high activitycomponent 204 comprising contaminant inhibitor component 214, asphysically separate distinct particles, compared to traditional methodof the base catalyst as a single particle system. For example, Table 6shows CAT-Aid™ increased conversion from 69.5 to 71.7 and from 72 to73.6 in standard laboratory test data from two commercial trials. Table6 also shows CAT-Aid™ decreased coke yield from 8.2 to 7.2 and from 9.3to 8.3 in the 2 laboratory test trials. Table 6 shows CAT-Aid™ increasedLPG yield from 12.8 to 14 and from 13.7 to 14.9 in the 2 laboratory testtrials.

TABLE 6 Trial 2 Trial 1 FCC before Trial 2 FCC Catalyst Catalyst CatTrial 1 W 10% CAT- before Cat Aid ™ Aid ™ (high w/ 10% CAT- Aid ™ (high(high activity Aid ™ (high activity activity component activitycomponent component 204 204 component 204 204 comprising comprisingcomprising comprising contaminant contaminant contaminant contaminantinhibitor inhibitor inhibitor inhibitor Product component 214) component214) component 214) component 214) Run ID 28521-1 28522-1 28530-128531-1 Cat/Oil 4.02 4.96 4.02 4.96 Conversion, w % 69.5 72.0 71.7 73.6Coke 8.2 9.3 7.2 8.3 C2− 2.6 2.7 2.2 2.4 Hydrogen 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.6Methane 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.7 Ethane 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 Ethylene 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6C3 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.8 C3= 3.8 4.1 4.1 4.4 Total C3s 4.6 4.9 4.9 5.3 iC4 2.42.7 2.9 3.2 nC4 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 iC4= 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 nC4= 3.7 3.9 4.04.1 1-Butene 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 Cis-2- 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 Butene Trans-2- 1.51.6 1.6 1.7 Butene 1,3- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Butadiene Total Butenes 5.2 5.65.6 5.7 Total C4s 8.2 8.9 9.1 9.6 LPG 12.8 13.7 14.0 14.9 Isopentane 2.72.9 3.2 3.5 n-Pentane 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 3-Methyl-1- 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Butenetrans-2- 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Pentene 2-Methyl-2- 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Butene1-Pentene 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 2-Methyl-1- 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Butenecis-2-Pentene 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 Total C5 6.4 6.8 6.8 7.2 C6+ 4.1 4.5 4.44.6 Total C5+ in Gas 10.6 11.4 11.2 11.8 Liquid Gasoline 35.3 34.9 37.236.2 Total Gasoline 45.9 46.3 48.4 48.0 (C5-221C) LCO (221-282C) 11.210.6 10.6 10.3 MCO (282-343C) 7.7 6.9 7.1 6.6 LCO + MCO 18.8 17.5 17.716.9 (221-343C) Bottoms (343C+) 11.6 10.5 10.6 9.5 Total 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0An embodiment of the invention includes providing one or more highactivity components to one or more fluidized units as physicallyseparate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially decrease the yield one or more hydrocarbons such as cokeor dry gas either individually or combination compared to anotherhydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by less about 10%(based on wt % of feed product). Another embodiment includes providingone or more high activity components to a fluidized unit as physicallyseparate and distinct particles in an amount sufficient topreferentially decrease the yield one or more hydrocarbons such as cokeor dry either individually or combination compared to anotherhydrocarbon or combination of hydrocarbon products by less than about8%, by less than about 7%, and less than about 5%. Yet anotherembodiment of the invention includes providing one or more high activitycomponents to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles in an amount sufficient to preferentially decrease the yieldone or more hydrocarbons such as coke or dry either individually orcombination compared to another hydrocarbon or combination ofhydrocarbon products by less than about 4%, by less than about 3%, byless than about 2%, and by less than about 0.1%. Embodiments of theinvention expressly includes providing one or more high activitycomponents as physically separate and distinct particles to one or morefluidized unit in an amount sufficient to preferentially decrease theyield one or more hydrocarbons such as coke or dry either individuallyor combination compared to another hydrocarbon or combination ofhydrocarbon products, and is not limited to a specified precise value,and may include values that differ from the specified value.

EXAMPLE 5 Combination of Differing High Activity Components

Applicant tested embodiments of providing high activity component asphysically separate and distinct particles in conjunction with a majorRefiner. The refiner supplied two feeds (one heavy and one light) whichspanned the feed range of that particular unit. Base fresh catalyst usedin the unit was also supplied. 3 comparative test were performed byproviding:

-   -   1) base catalyst alone (with no high activity component)    -   2) base catalyst and combinations of high activity component(s)        as physically separate and distinct particles from base catalyst    -   3) high activity components as physically separate and distinct        particles (without base catalyst)

Table 7 was generated by testing a combination of multiple high activitycomponents on heavy feed. Conradson Carbon Residue of this feed was 5.2wt % and specific gravity of this feed was 0.934. Fresh base catalystand high activity components were deactivated to simulate equilibriumcatalyst. Protocol includes metallation to 2500 ppm Vanadium, 5000 ppmNi by cyclic cracking and steam deactivation (1400° F.) to match e-catsurface area.

TABLE 7 Combination of multiple high activity components to Heavy FeedCAT-Aid ™ Hi-Y ™ (high activity BCA ™ (high activity component (highactivity component 204 comprising component 202 comprising contaminant201 comprising gasoline inhibitor LCO selective Base selective componentcomponent Catalyst component 212 214) 211) Bottoms 85 15 0 0 25.2 80 200 0 23.9 70 30 0 0 21.2 70 20 10 0 14.9 0 67 15 18 10.6 0 50 20 30 12.6

Table 7 shows the bottoms yield decreasing with increasing Hi-Y™ (highactivity component 202 comprising gasoline selective component 212). Thebottoms yield metric was chosen as it is routinely the lowest valueproduct; hence, the lower the bottoms yield the better the catalystformulation performance. All testing was performed at constant coke (6wt %). Table 7 shows providing 30% Hi-Y™ (high activity component 202comprising gasoline selective component 212) reduced bottoms yieldreduced from 25.2 to 21.2, thereby reflecting the increased activity andpreferential yield of providing Hi Y™ as physically separate distinctparticles.

10 wt % CAT-Aid™ (high activity component 204 comprising contaminantinhibitor component 214) was then combined with 20% Hi Y™ (high activitycomponent 202 comprising gasoline selective component 212) which reducedbottoms yield 25.2 to 14.9. Thus, table 7 shows the unexpected benefitsof providing a combination of high activity components as physicallyseparate distinct particles from base catalyst. Furthermore, table 7demonstrates even greater gains were achieved with just high activitycomponents which had 0% base catalyst. Better result was achieved when acombination of three high activity components was tailored to match thefresh base catalyst properties of TSA and RE₂O₃: a combination of highactivity components comprising 15wt % CAT-Aid™ (high activity component204 comprising contaminant inhibitor component 214); 67 wt % Hi Y™ (highactivity component 202 comprising gasoline selective component 212); and18 wt % BCA™ (high activity component 201 comprising LCO selectivecomponent 211) reduced bottoms yield even more from 25.2 to 10.6. Thus,table 7 shows the unexpected benefits of providing high activitycomponents as separate distinct particles instead of as part of orwithin a base catalyst in a single particle system and table 7 alsoshows the unexpected benefits of a combination of high activitycomponents.

Testing with a light feed produced similar results. Conradson CarbonResidue of this feed was 1.8 wt % and specific gravity of this feed was0.888. Table 8 was generated by testing a combination of multiple highactivity components on light feed. Fresh base catalyst and high activitycomponents were deactivated to simulate equilibrium catalyst. Protocolincludes metallation to 500 ppm vanadium and 1500 ppm nickel by cycliccracking Fresh base catalyst and high activity components weredeactivated to simulate equilibrium catalyst. Protocol includesmetallation to 2500 ppm Vanadium, 5000 ppm Ni by cyclic cracking andsteam deactivation (1400° F.) to match e-cat surface area.

TABLE 8 Combination of multiple high activity components to Light FeedCAT-Aid ™ Hi-Y ™ (high activity (high activity component component 202204 comprising comprising contaminant Base gasoline selective inhibitorCatalyst component 212) component 214) Bottoms 100 0 0 15.0 85 15 0 12.480 20 0 11.6 70 30 0 9.6 70 20 10 10.9

Table 8 shows as Hi Y™ Hi-Y™ (high activity component 202 comprisinggasoline selective component) concentration increased to 30%, bottomsyield reduced from 15 to 9.6, thereby reflecting the increased activityand preferential yield of providing Hi-Y™ (high activity component 202comprising gasoline selective component) as physically separate distinctparticles instead of just a base catalyst in a single particle system.

When 10 wt % CAT-Aid™ (high activity component 204 comprisingcontaminant inhibitor component 214) was then combined with 70 wt %fresh catalyst and 20 wt % Hi Y™ (high activity component 202 comprisinggasoline selective component 212), bottoms yield reduced from 15 to10.9. Providing CAT-Aid™ (high activity component 204 comprisingcontaminant inhibitor component 214) did not on further decrease bottomsyield because the loss of the catalyst blend surface area due to theaddition of lower activity CAT-AID was greater than the surface arearetention protection to the zeolite that CAT-Aid™ could provide in thelow metals environment. Thus, table 8 shows the unexpected benefits ofproviding high activity components as separate distinct particle insteadof as part of or within a base catalyst in a single particle system andtable 8 also shows the unexpected benefits of a combination of highactivity components since bottoms yield did decrease. However, auniversal one size fits all combination of high activity components doesnot necessary provide the optimum solution for a range of feedsprocessed; the combination of high activity component or components mustbe dynamically adjusted to changing feed conditions etc. such as butlimited to heaviness of feed, etc.

Because a universal one size fits all combination of high activitycomponents does not necessary provide the optimum solution for a rangeof feeds processed, FIG. 6 is a simulation graph of providing acombination of multiple high activity components as feed qualitychanges. For each production run, the production planner needs only tosupply the value of the control parameter (Concarbon in the belowexample). The engineer or control room operator may then read from thegraph (or input the Concarbon value directly into a control scheme) toquickly and accurately modify component addition rates and thereforeon-line catalyst formulation towards the optimum for the specific feedbeing processed on that production run.

Optionally, the method may further include using physical hardwareallowing individual adding of each high activity component in a reliableand controlled manner. Separate individual addition control of each highactivity components may be supplied with Applicant's AIM™ AdditiveInventory Management Technology and addition systems.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the method and system of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention includemodifications and variations that are within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of aspects, it should be understood that the inventionis not limited to such disclosed aspects. Rather, the invention can bemodified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations,substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, butwhich are commensurate with the scope of the claims. Additionally, whilevarious embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to beunderstood that aspects of the invention may include only some of thedescribed embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen aslimited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: providing at least a high activity component toa fluidized unit as physically separate and distinct particles in anamount sufficient to preferentially increase the yield of at least aselected hydrocarbon product compared to another hydrocarbon product. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a high activitycomponent to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles to preferentially increase the yield of LCO and wherein thehigh activity component comprises from about 70% to about 100% by weightLCO selective component.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprisingproviding a second high activity component which differs from the highactivity component comprising LCO selective component in an amountsufficient to at least partially reverse the preferential increase inyield of LCO.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the highactivity component comprising the LCO selective component as physicallyseparate and distinct particles preferentially increases LCO yieldcompared to providing a base catalyst as a single particle system. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a high activitycomponent to a fluidized unit as physically separate and distinctparticles to preferentially increase the yield of gasoline range productand wherein the high activity component comprises about 40% to about 85%by weight a gasoline selective component.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein gasoline selective component is about 50% to about 85% byweight.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the gasoline selectivecomponent comprises at least 70% by weight.
 8. The method of claim 5,further comprising providing a second high activity component whichdiffers from the first high activity component in an amount sufficientto at least partially reverse the preferential increase in yield ofgasoline range product.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein providing thehigh activity component comprising the gasoline selective component asphysically separate and distinct particles preferentially increases theyield of gasoline range product compared to providing a base catalyst asa single particle system.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing a high activity component to a fluidized unit as physicallyseparate and distinct particles to preferentially increase the yield ofthe at least a selected hydrocarbon product comprises preferentiallyincreasing the yield of LPG and wherein the high activity componentcomprises from about 20% to about 85% by weight a LPG selectivecomponent.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing ahigh activity component to a fluidized unit as physically separate anddistinct particles to preferentially increase the yield of a selectedhydrocarbon product comprises preferentially increasing the yield ofgasoline range product or LPG and wherein the high activity componentcomprises from about 70% to about 100% by weight a contaminantinhibitor.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluidized unit isselected from a group consisting of unit for fluid catalyst cracking,unit for residue cracking, unit for cracking gasoline into LPG, unit formanufacture of pyridine and its derivatives, unit for manufacture ofacrylonitrile, and unit for cracking heavy feed into LPG.
 13. The methodof claim 1, further comprising providing the high activity component toa plurality of units.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingproviding the high activity component to a plurality of unitssequentially.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising providingthe high activity component to a plurality of units simultaneously. 16.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a plurality of highactivity components which differ from each other to enhance thepreferentially increase the yield of the at least a selected hydrocarbonproduct compared to than another product.
 17. The method of claim 1,further comprising providing a plurality of high activity componentswhich differ from each other in an amount sufficient to reverse thepreferential yield of the at least a selected hydrocarbon product.
 18. Amethod comprising: providing at least a high activity componentcomprising a contaminant inhibitor component to a fluidized unit asphysically separate and distinct particles to inhibit the adverseeffects of at least a contaminant in a feed stock.
 19. A methodcomprising: providing at least a high activity component to a fluidizedunit as physically separate and distinct particles to preferentiallydecrease the yield of at least a selected hydrocarbon product comparedto another hydrocarbon product.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising providing a plurality of high activity components whichdiffer from each other to enhance the preferentially decrease the yieldof the at least a selected hydrocarbon product compared to than anotherproduct.